Indebtedness of Elderly People in Brazil

Objective: This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of indebtedness among the elderly population, investigating its structural causes and socioeconomic consequences. Theoretical Framework: Population aging has been accelerating in Brazil, and indebtedness has increasingly become a social issue. While traditionally associated with investment or consumption, debt among the elderly is now frequently linked to financial restructuring. Understanding and identifying the causes and implications of indebtedness in later life and proposing effective preventive approaches are essential. Method: An exploratory study was conducted using a documentary and bibliographic approach. The research was based on the analysis of academic publications, including scientific articles, dissertations, and other scholarly works available on platforms such as Scielo and Google Scholar. Only studies directly related to elderly indebtedness were considered. Results and Discussion: Uncontrolled credit use, insufficient retirement income, social pressures related to consumption, and unexpected events such as illness are among the identified contributing factors. Payroll-deductible loans and credit cards also compromise the financial stability of older adults, in addition to the growing incidence of digital scams. Indebtedness is characterized as a multifaceted phenomenon, whose impacts extend beyond the individual, affecting support networks and generating significant implications for public policy and society as a whole. Research Implications: This study seeks to identify the primary causes and consequences of indebtedness among older adults in Brazil and propose practical solutions. These insights are relevant to fields such as economics, management, financial education, and governmental policy planning. Originality/Value: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the rising indebtedness among the Brazilian elderly population. Without the implementation of structured planning and financial education policies, this phenomenon could significantly affect both the national economy and the well-being of millions of older adults.